MLB notebook: Tigers cut short Valverde's 2nd stint with team

DETROIT - The Tigers designated reliever Jose Valverde for assignment Friday, less than two months after bringing the veteran right-hander back to the major leagues for another chance to be the team's closer.

Valverde went 0-1 with a 5.59 ERA, converting nine saves in 12 chances. The Tigers will likely use Joaquin Benoit in most save situations for the time being.

Detroit has 10 days to trade, release or send Valverde outright to the minor leagues.

"We have asked him if he would go to Triple-A for us, and try to work with him there, try to get him straightened out," general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "He did not give us an answer on that. It really doesn't make a difference at this point, since we would still have to get waivers at some time. He was open-minded to it. He didn't say no to it, but he needed some time."

The Tigers recalled right-hander Al Alburquerque from Triple-A Toledo to replace Valverde in the bullpen.

Yankees acquire Lillibridge from Cubs

CHICAGO - The Yankees acquired minor-league infielder Brent Lillibridge from the Cubs on Friday for a player to be named or cash.

Lillibridge is one of several backup infielders acquired by the Yankees this season to help fill in for their injured All-Stars. The trade was the second deal between New York and Chicago this year.

The Yankees acquired Alberto Gonzalez from the Cubs in May, and he spent a week with the team before being demoted. Gonzalez was recalled from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre earlier Friday when Reid Brignac was designated for assignment.

Lillibridge will report to Scranton.

Lillibridge is going to his sixth team. The Cubs designated him for assignment after nine games in April, and he has been with Triple-A Iowa since.

Inside pitch

• Left-hander Jason Vargas is on the Angels' 15-day disabled list after a blood clot was found in his left armpit.

The blood clot was discovered after Vargas' start against Seattle on Monday, making his move to the disabled list retroactive to Tuesday. He will seek a second opinion before considering surgery, the team says.

• The Cardinals cleared pitcher Chris Carpenter to resume rehabbing from a lower back injury Friday after the team got outside medical opinions about his comeback from nerve issues.

General manager John Mozeliak said the 38-year-old Carpenter played catch Friday and was scheduled for a light bullpen session today.

• Former All-Star outfielder Lenny Dykstra, 50, was released from a California prison after serving time for bankruptcy fraud.